Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-04-28
A GLIMPSE OF BEAUyOIR.
The Quiet Home of the Ex-President of the
COnfederacy.
Atlanta Constitution.

Atlanta Constitution
Major John Elder, the we'll known artist
of Richmond, Va, has been the guest for
some days past, of his friend, Major JOS
eph Van Holt Nash, OF this city. Major
Elder has just returned from quite
lengthy visit at the home Of ex-President
Jefferson Davis, at Beauvoir, Miss, where
he was engaged in the work of painting
ife-sized portrait of the noted soldier
and statesman. The portrait is the prop
the capitol at Richmond.
81 was the guest of the family at Beau
voir just month";" said Major Elder to
Constitution representative, sand a
most delightful month it was, I assure
you"
'sBeauvoir is delightful place. The
mansion is large, stately-looking one, the
finest on the coast. It is situated
about half a mile from Beauvoir station,
but can not be seen from the railroad be-
cause of the trees which surround it. The
house contains many valuable paintings
and mementoes of life full of stirring
events.
'The Davis family, as you know, con-
sists of Mr.. Davis, Mrs. Davis, and their
charming daughter Miss Winnie. It is a
happy household, where hospitality is
the prevailing spirit. Beauvoir is over
run with visitors. From all over the
South, North, East and West they come,
and each finds kindly welcome awaiting
him. They find frail spare man whose
white hair and beard indicate the flight Of
lime, but whose every move reflects the
strong resolute character of which this
country knows SO much. This is the CEN
trail figure Of the household.
Mr.. Davis is wonderfully vigorous for a
man of his years-he is almost eighty
and can outwalk me any day. 1 remem-
Der one evening [ was airing my know
ledge of fencing by going through few
motions with cane. Mr.. Davis took up
another, and it was not three minutes be-
fore he had disarmed me with the great
est ease.
sit is really wonderful to see how the
people down there love him. He could
go to the United States senate any day if
he would but take the oath of allegiance.
| asked him why he didn't do it.
sob no." he answered, 'I'm too old for
that sort of thing, and want nothing to
do with it now
Mr.. Davis and went down to New Or
leans one day. There he is known by al
most everybody and It was next to i'm
possible to walk along the streets, SO
numerous were the greetings he received.
They were of all kinds. I was struck
with the emotion of an old fellow, who
said with tears In his eyes:
| ooh, Uncle JEFF, I'm powerful glad
to see YOU once more. I've hoped /
might see you. But I carry you with
| me always
| L I
there was Mr.. Davis portrait tatooed up
on the skin. M. Davis was visibly affect
ed, and giving the old fellow a parting
blessing passed on.
'Mr. Davis is the most charming CON
versatiOnalist I ever knew. He can con
verse upon any subject, and is, in reality
knowledge. Everybody is charmed with
him. His grandeur of manner, the
strength and force of every motion, to
gether with his gentyeness and courtesy
impress everybody.
Mrs. Davis is a woman fit to be the
| wife of such man. Miss Winnie-well
| it is hard to find words to describe her
She is the most remarkable woman ]
know. Bright and intelligent, brilliant
| cOnyersationalisti in three or four differ
emit languages, using each with the great
est of ease, highly accomplished, and al
that, she is the sort of a young lady who
| would shine forth brilliant amid any sur.
counaings. But what admire most is
her sunny disposition; always happy and
cheerful. She goes about the house whist
ling and singing, carrying sunshine
everywhere, she is wonderful girl, in
deed.
II was like member of the family for
month, as I have said, and I could
doubtless tell many things which would
be of interest to the public, but prefer
not to talk for publication. I will say.
however, that if you can pay visit to
BeauEoir you will find it one of the most
pleasant episodes of your life"